Why?
Jon Bolton
Chair, Metals Strategy Steering Group
Director Long Products European Hub, Tata Steel
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS
UK metals - a huge contribution to
the UK…but often overlooked
Driving economic growth and opportunity in all UK regions
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24,000+ enterprises, directly employing over 330,000 people and were worth over £45.5bn
to the UK economy (2012)
Crucial part of a knowledge based, high skilled economy
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Critical to the UK’s capabilities in advanced materials and applications
R&D carried out right here in the UK
Committed to lifelong skills development
A Vital foundation for many of the UK’s strategic supply chains and the UK’s long
term environmental sustainability
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Inputs to ‘strategic’ sectors for the UK like automotive, energy, construction and aerospace
Provides security of supply and UK expertise is vital for infrastructure delivery
Products are vital for a sustainable transition to a more resource efficient world, and the UK’s
Metals sectors contain some of the largest recyclers in the UK.
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS
If you’re not at the table, you risk
being on the menu
• First mover sectors like automotive and aerospace have
achieved long term commitments from Government to
building blocks for their future
• UK metals sectors equally in need of the right types of
foundations for attracting investment, people and orders
• But, not being ‘around the table’ risks being marginalised
We must clearly set out our long term vision for success
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS
Partnership approach crucial
• The expectation of Government is of partnership:
• Between sectors and other stakeholders
– it’s a metals project
– We must clearly articulate our common priorities and
needs
• With Government
– It’s not a ‘letter to Santa’ project
– It’s about defining ways of working together with
Government to jointly deliver a successful , globally
competitive and sustainable metals industry for the UK
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS
We must be prepared to commit too.
• Time
– developing and implementing the strategy:
– Senior involvement in steering and oversight
– Junior involvement in getting the work done!
• Alignment :
– Aligning our wants / needs with Government themes and
programs (Trailblazers, Eight Great Technologies etc.)
• Cash :
– Big ticket outcomes from previous sector strategies have
frequently been co-investments.
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS
This is a great opportunity…
• First time the UK metals sectors have come together to
really positively drive forward the agenda for the UK
• We have a receptive ear in BIS for the right approach
• Political audience hungry for new ideas
• Economy turning around
…lets grasp it together!
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
for METALS